Acting may be an unexpected turn for Pinky Tobiano, but it is one she has embraced with sheer excitement.
Action King Coco Martin handpicked the popular chemist-philanthropist to portray a wealthy landowner in ABS-CBN’s “Sigabo,” the major action-romance series marking his much-awaited return to primetime. Elegant, polished and naturally commanding, Achi Pinky — as she is lovingly called — certainly looks every inch the part.
But beyond appearances, anyone who knows Achi Pinky also knows what a beautiful and caring person she is, inside and out. She is someone who readily gives her time, support and affection to the people she values, which makes the story of how she became part of the “Sigabo” family especially heartwarming.
“Sigabo,” which premiered on June 22, is Coco’s first original television concept. He plays Gabo, a devoted son and ex-convict who undertakes a secret mission in exchange for his freedom. His journey eventually brings him to Sam, played by real-life partner Julia Montes, a lawyer who also works as an investigative agent.
Achi Pinky’s character enters the story as a wealthy landowner connected to Ginintuang Lupa, the property at the center of one of the series’ early conflicts. What was meant to be a one-time appearance now looks set to become a continuing role, much to Achi Pinky’s delight given how much she has come to enjoy acting.
Her pride in becoming part of the show was evident when she celebrated her birthday at Manila House Private Club Inc. on July 14. Among her guests, of course, were Coco and Julia, as well as Carmi Martin and Arci Muñoz, with whom Achi Pinky has shared scenes in the series.
The birthday girl’s relationship with Coco and Julia, however, began away from the cameras. Achi Pinky and Julia first became business partners in Swiss Proli LeanQuick and Night, a line of wellness gummy supplements, before developing a friendship that Coco said has become deeply meaningful to both him and his partner.
In his birthday message, the actor-director recalled how Julia would often talk about her “Achi Pinky” and the good things she had done for her.
“I told Juls how lucky she is to have a good friend like you,” he said.
Coco then explained why Pinky’s presence in their lives has come to mean so much.
“Both Julia and I came from broken families. We didn’t get enough guidance from our respective parents,” he shared.
He added that Julia had found in Achi Pinky a friend, a parental figure and a business partner who helps guide them in their small ventures.
Coco also acknowledged Pinky’s considerable help with their Take Out Food Cart business, including recommending Julia’s dimsum delights to her own circle of friends.
“Imagine amid all the troubles going on all over the world, Julia has found a good friend who’s not even related to her by blood,” he continued. “We are indeed very lucky to have met and known you, Achi Pinky.”
For Achi Pinky, becoming part of “Sigabo” has therefore meant far more than adding acting to her already colorful résumé. It has given her a new experience to enjoy while deepening a friendship that Coco and Julia have come to regard as family.